March 17th Ken and I celebrated 32 years of marriage. It was a simple celebration. We went for a little drive to a nearby state park. As I have had my physical abilities severely limited lately he found the bird blind that was a very short walk from where the park ranger told him we could park. My beloved knows me well, nature is a sweet balm for the wife of his youth. I read a report purporting that nature has an positive effect on our psyche and I immediately thought, no duh. But I suppose if you have grown up in a big city and not in a place where nature beckoned you every moment this may indeed come as a surprise to some.

​My little walk in the woods to watch the birds was just what I needed and I am so thankful that God gave me a man who has taken the time over the years to understand the ways of his wife. It can be scary at times not knowing what lies just around the bend, but walking this trail of life with the one who is just right for me helps me to face the unknown with courage. And in this case the path was not long-just around the bend was a bench awaiting me at the bird blind where I could sit and rest as long as I needed. Not many birds came by on this day, but it was so good to be with the one I love, the one I know loves me.

To the bird blind at Abilene State Park.

]]>Wed, 22 Oct 2014 13:40:56 GMThttps://www.tuning-my-heart.com/reflections/the-redwoods-through-my-lensWe saw a lot of the country this past summer and we took a lot of photos. I am still getting them organized. Being an Oregon girl at heart I love trees, I love ferns and green things and I even find joy in slugs. After days in the desert southwest I was ready for the big trees and lushness of the coast. Here for your viewing pleasure are a few of my favorite things.

Tiger Lily

Rhoddies!! Or Rhododendron.

It had been years since I had seen a rhododendron in bloom. I made Ken stop the car.

Coastal Morning Glory

There is just something about the sun shining through the forest that draws me.

A wild rose.

Foggy days on the ocean hold their own fascination for me.

From the tallest of trees to the tiniest of flowers God's creation fascinates me.

Wood Violet

Purple Shore Crab

From crazy crabs dances to slothful slugs, each in its own unique way give praise to the Creator.

Banana Slug

What trip to the Redwoods would be complete without a photo of someone in a tree?